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“Which is why we aren’t escaping on foot,” he replied, lifting his cellphone from his pocket. “It’s been the plan since Alistair first ordered me to clean up your mess and capture Jade and the staff. I’ve been in contact with Rebecca and Killian. The demon will arrive to portal Jade away as soon as we’re clear.”
My breath stuttered out as a tiny tendril of glimmering hope replaced my dread.
“What?” I breathed. “How did you—”
“I may be your father’s assassin and soldier, but I am also loyal to you and the Council,” Silas cut me off with what could only be a smile on the stone-cold vampire’s face. “I would never allow your father to doom our people to war with the witches.Thatis a battle I know we would lose, though he thinks differently. I needed to let the plan play out so Alistair wouldn’t besiege New Orleans in his pursuit of the spirit witches, possibly killing more from the Coven.”
I nodded, unable to speak for a moment as my plan shifted. “Then I will ensure I give a show gaudy enough to keep my father’s attention. Just be careful, Silas. Alistair is more devious and cunning than any creature alive on Gaia. I can’t lose her.”
“I know, Alexei,” he murmured.
Henry slapped me on my shoulder in a silent reproach to buck up. “Alexei and I will circle the party, Silas. I’ll give you the signal when it’s safe for you to extricate yourself from the party. In the meantime, I’ll keep Mariana and Mira in my sights. If Hell breaks loose, they will be my top priority.”
Gratitude pulsed through my veins.
Moments later, I stepped into the grand ballroom filled with vampires who either distrusted or despised me. Among them, my betrothed. With my charm firmly in place, I played the part of the reformed vampire prince as I shook hands and spoke in low tones with the vampires in attendance. Though still buzzing from Jade’s blood flowing through me, I also drank three cups of blood-wine to strengthen my body for what was to come.
Before long, Alistair and Mariana made their grand arrival, looking immaculate and elegant in their evening wear. A string of rubies danced along my mother’s collarbone, matching the stone etched into my father’s daywalking ring.
After the applause died down, they made their rounds through the ballroom, with me in their sights.
“Alexei,” my father hissed. “Come and greet the Dvoraks and your future bride.”
My face hardened to stone, but I followed silently until the family I had grown to despise stood before us. Their ice-blonde hair coiled in elaborate braids twined around their fair faces. It looked shocking against the glaring burgundy-red of their eyes, matched seamlessly with the richly made attire befitting royalty.
A prelude to the union binding our families together.
My father’s elbow jabbed warningly into my side, and I forced a tense smile as I stared down Julius Dvorak. “Welcome.”
As the second oldest living vampire after my father, his chest puffed pridefully as he gave me a casual onceover. “Alexei, my boy. You look much improved from the last time I saw you. I see your time in exile has taught you much about maintaining appearances.”
Considering the last time I had the misfortune of being in his company, my father had bloodied me until I fell to my knees in chains, I could agree with his assessment.
“I’m sure you would find many aspects improved in my years away from the keep.” My serpent-smile dipped as I angled my head towards Julius’s wife, Claire, and Seraphina.
Seraphina simpered as she leaned against my side, choking me with her saccharine scent. “I’ve heard the tales of your exploits in Louisiana, Alexei. Such naughty behavior from the future king.”
“Haven’t you heard what they call me, sweets?”
She laughed prettily, her greedy eyes taking me in from my dress shoes to the emerald silk shirt bared open beneath my black suit jacket. Possessive hunger reeked from her pores, and I sent a silent curse to the gods for forcing the harpy into my path.
“The Prince of Pleasure.” Her talon-like nail trailed down my exposed skin like an assault. “Everyone has heard the tales, Alexei. I look forward to learning you in much greater detail.”
My face became brittle.
Mother forced a pleasant smile. “This talk is quite odious for a festive gathering. Would you like some refreshments before we begin? We’ve brought out our best casks of whiskey and orange wine infused with fresh blood.”
“Of course, Mariana.” Julius smiled, though the gesture didn’t quite reach his narrowed eyes. “Though, I prefer to drink during my hunt. Much more thrilling that way.”
“Indeed,” Alistair purred. His expression shifted to one of preternatural cunning. “Shall we announce the betrothal and get the celebrations started, then?”
My mother took her cue and snagged father’s dagger, tapping it against her glass of half-finished wine to quiet the room. Through the overflowing crowd, I didn’t dare search for Henry or Silas. I could only drink my wine with merciful relief that soon Jade would be purged from this Hell.
“Welcome, everyone, for our annual Wild Hunt,” Alistair boomed. Spreading his arms with a flourish, father lifted a champagne flute from a passing server into the sky. “I want to remind everyone of the rules tonight. Any prey is fair game, so long as it ends with the death of witnesses. Bled is a pleasant town filled with mortals, but you are, of course, welcome to venture further within the mountains for harder kills.”
His gruesome smile was a terrible thing. My stomach twisted sickeningly at the raucous laughter and jeers shaking the chandelier above me.
Alistair raised his hand to quiet the masses. “I know times have been hard. With the rise of mortal advancements, it often feels as if we are being thrust into a new world that strips us of our biological drive. The world is inundated with new threats we never had reason to balk from before, which is why I am pleased to announce a union that will lead to a formidable future.”
